Dustin ‘DJ’ Givner rises to operations manager of new bar at Live! Casino
DUSTIN “DJ” GIVNER, a Peabody High School graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree from Gannon University, in Erie.
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
Dustin Givner, who’s better known as “DJ,” helped generate $10 million in annual sales as manager and marketing director for Tequila Cowboy, the 20,000-square-foot party spot on the North Shore, between PNC Park and Heinz Field.
Starting June 11, he will begin his tenure as operations manager for Live! Casino’s new country bar, PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pittsburgh, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. Live! Casino is located inside the Westmoreland Mall in Greensburg.
Givner is a well-regarded professional in the Pittsburgh restaurant and bar industry, where he played an active role in the opening of more than 30 bars and entertainment venues, including Burgatory and Tequila Cowboy. Most recently, he served as a General Manager with AMPd Group, helping to increase sales by 20 percent in less than six months at their popular properties, including the Local Bar + Kitchen. During his professional career, he has trained hundreds of industry managers. Overseeing daily operations, front house management, social media and advertising, and event bookings are just some of the hats Givner has to wear leading a bar/restaurant.
The Courier learned that Givner is a Virginia Beach native, who moved to Pittsburgh as a teen, graduated from Peabody High School and later obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University in Erie in 2009.
Professional Bull Riders is one of the fastest-growing spectator sports in the country, embodying toughness, determination and a true spirit of independence, according to a release announcing PBR Pittsburgh’s June 11 opening at the casino. PBR Pittsburgh seeks to live up to its legendary namesake, bringing an authentic country experience and big-time entertainment to Live! Casino. The 4,560-square-foot country bar will incorporate line dancing, specialty-themed Friday nights, midnight military salutes, private VIP booths and the area’s only professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull in a fun, lively atmosphere.
“We’re excited to have someone of Dustin’s caliber manage all aspects of PBR Pittsburgh,” Live! Casino General Manager Sullivan said in the release. “His track record of success and experience will help create countless career opportunities at PBR Pittsburgh and ensure that each visitor has a tremendous entertainment experience.”
“PBR Pittsburgh is more than a bar, it’s an attitude and way of life that celebrates your free spirit—your wild side,” Givner said in the release. “We’re looking forward to bringing this unique and exciting concept to Live! Casino.”
There’s been much fanfare made about Live! Casino since its opening last fall. The facility features 750 slots and 30 live action table games, live entertainment venues, and Sports & Social Steel City, a sports-themed restaurant which sits next to PBR Pittsburgh.
“Since the first PBR country bar launched in 2008, the concept has been a phenomenal success,” said Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO of PBR, in the release. “PBR country bars, now in 10 locations around the country, provide a strong daily brand presence for the sport in a fun, lifestyle venue where our fans can come out and release their inner cowboy. We are thrilled to open our newest location here at Live! Casino in the greater Pittsburgh region.”
“There is nothing like PBR Pittsburgh in the area,” added Sullivan. “We’re eager to see our guests kick up their heels, listen to live country music and tackle the infamous mechanical riding bull during a fun night out. PBR country bar is one not to be missed and adds another diverse offering of best-in-class experiences for our guests.”
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